Dunstable Sea Cadets honour achievements at annual awards

Dunstable Sea Cadets held their annual awards ceremony last Friday at their unit based at The Old Mill, West Street, honouring the dedication and achievements of the cadets.

The Dunstable Sea Cadet unit, TS Lionel Preston, welcomed the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Ruth Lloyd, the Dunstable Mayor, Cllr R Attwell, Houghton Regis Mayor Cllr D Jones and Cllr Carole Hegley, together with other sponsors, families and friends.

The evening began as the ship's company paraded in readiness for the raising of the national flag, a ceremony that included the colour party, bell ringing, a boatswain’s call (whistle), and the flag-raising, accompanied by a formal salute.

Guests were then invited for refreshments before the award ceremony began.

The annual award evening marks the cadets’ successes across their afloat and ashore activities.

The large range of individual awards recognises achievements by the unit’s cadets, reflecting the hard work and talent of these remarkable young people.

Among the awards were:

• Piping - Cadet Rory
• Endeavour – Respect: Cadet Wisdom
• Loyalty:   Cadet Sophie
• Self-Discipline: Cadet Caterina
• Commitment: Cadet Jacob
• Courage: Cadet Farren
• Junior Cadet of the year: Cadet Sophie
• Senior Cadet of the year: Cadet Keira
• Instructor Cup: Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Kayte Hollis RNR

In total, there were over 20 awards recognising the unit's commitment and achievements.

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Kayte Hollis RNR, Officer in Charge at Dunstable unit, said: “It's been a wonderful year! Our cadets have proudly represented Dunstable at exciting events all over the country, from competing at the national level to enjoying fun times on the water and taking on adventurous activities that pushed their limits. We’re so proud of all they’ve achieved and the great spirit they’ve shown throughout the year. 

“Thank you all for joining us this evening. It has been a wonderful night. Well done to the cadets. We are incredibly proud of every one of you. Thank you”.

Dunstable Town Mayor Cllr R Attwell said: “I was delighted to attend the Dunstable Sea Cadets Awards Night, an outstanding evening honouring the cadets' achievements.”

Dunstable Sea Cadets offer young people a new perspective. Broadening horizons and creating possibilities, the charity works across the UK with 14,000 young people aged 10 to 18, helping them see the world with confidence gained through the challenge of nautical adventure and the Royal Navy ethos. The aim is to help more young people see the future they want – and make that future happen.

The unit parades on Wednesday and Friday from 7pm to 9.30pm, and meets at The Old Mill, West Street, Dunstable. Visit sea-cadets.org/dunstable to find out how you can join.